Meet Liz Hardiman
Chile is a country with a rich and fascinating history, beautiful landscape, and — most importantly — fantastic food. During my freshman spring semester, I was studying in the capital city, Santiago de Chile, with a cohort of other Mason students. As a Conflict Analysis and Resolution major, this was a unique opportunity to learn about the history, politics, and culture of this exciting region.
For freshmen in their second semester, Global Gateways offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a new culture. After one semester at Mason, where we were enrolled in a specialized section of University 101, we traveled to Chile as a group. There, we were enrolled at the University of the Andes, completing many of our Mason-core requirements, but doing so in a way that takes full advantage of the place in which we found ourselves.
While Abroad
These included classes on Latin American Art, History, Literature, and, of course, a Spanish class geared towards language learners. In addition to having many of our classes together, we visited many areas of Santiago as a group, including the Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas, and one of the oldest churches in the country. However, one of our best orientation activities took place about two hours north of the city.
We all piled into a university van — bright and early — to travel to Isla Negra. On the way there, we enjoyed beautiful views of the sun rising over the Santiago valley. Our car ride was extended a bit by a flat tire, but thankfully, we broke down right across the street from a restaurant and used the detour to enjoy a breakfast of Cortados, a traditional Chilean coffee that paired well with our less-Chilean dish of French fries. Once we were back on the road, it was only a short ride to our first stop, a pottery class. We were able to learn about the history of Chilean sculpture, from the origins of the clay to the religious and cultural significance of the craft. After such a great history lesson, we fashioned pots, plates, and figurines of our own using our hands and the pottery wheel. It’s nice to have something to remember our adventures by — especially the ones that take us by surprise.
Pablo Neruda
Afterwards, we visited the beach home of famous poet Pablo Neruda where we enjoyed a guided tour of the home, which boasts beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Unlike the homes of George Mason or Teddy Roosevelt, many of Neruda’s personal artifacts are still intact. So, we were able to see collections of sculptures and art, gifts from diplomats and heads of state, and, unsurprisingly, a library.
Neruda’s poetry is a revered by many Chileans, while his politics are reviled by some. Despite the historical and artistic significance of his life, being able to see where he lived and worked provided a new dimension on the things that inspired him. From the collections of butterflies to the office with a writing desk overlooking sea cliffs, he was as inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Chile as much as he was by the people who live here.
Author Spotlight
| Name | Liz Hardiman |
|---|---|
| Major | Conflict Analysis and Resolution |
| Hometown | Fairfax, Virginia |
| Study Abroad | Global Gateway to Chile Budapest Semester Program |
| Highlight | Being able to intern overseas with a world-renowned archive in Budapest, and being able to fully immerse myself in the Spanish Language in Chile were two major highlights. |
| Challenge | Learning to balance schoolwork and travel was a bit of a challenge early in the semester. |
| Favorite Food | Chorillanas |